THE mother of an 11-year-old girl from North Yorkshire has appealed for help for her daughter who has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive from of cancer.

Gabrielle Alderson, who lives near Thirsk, was diagnosed with high risk neuroblastoma last September when her mother Vicki noticed a dip in her energy levels.

Her mother has issued a plea for help raise £500,000 to allow her daughter the chance of lifesaving treatment abroad which is not available on the NHS.

Speaking about the diagnosis, single mum Vicki said: "We were completely distraught.

“Since her diagnosis it’s just been a whirlwind of emotions. She’s such a strong determined young lady, she’s really taken it all in her stride and given us the strength to carry on.”

“Please give what you can to help Gaby should she need it. If she does not need the funds the money will go to other children with neuroblastoma."

Gabrielle - who lives in South Otterington - has undergone heavy chemotherapy after cancer was found in her bones. Money is being raised to allow her lifesaving treatment on a clinical trial should she need it as it is often the best treatment option. The money will also be needed in the instance she should relapse, which is common with neuroblastoma.

It is the same situation as was faced by seven-year-old York schoolboy Jamie Inglis, who died last year following a lengthy battle against neuroblastoma. A huge fundraising effort helped Jamie access the treatment in the US and Germany which gave him the best chance of survival.

In 2012, two-year-old Sadie Rose Clifford from Knaresborough died from the illness as it had become to advanced for her to go through with treatment in the US.

Bettina Bungay-Balwah, chief executive of Neuroblastoma Children’s Cancer Alliance UK which works to help children with neuroblastoma access treatment, said: “We’re still working tirelessly to raise funds for new UK trials and bring promising international treatments to the UK but unfortunately some families and friends are left with no other option but to fundraise for specialist treatment when needed. I would urge anybody reading this to give what they can to help Gaby beat this aggressive cancer.”